Guide to pick the best WiFi extender in 2021 to boost your WiFi range
You are here in this article means, most probably you have internet connection issues in some areas of your home or office. Those dead spots ruin your day. WiFi extender will support you with internet signal problem as an affordable option. So today, we are going to help you determine the best WiFi extender you should have.
WiFi extender is a device that receives an internet signal, amplifies it, and broadcasts. But before all you have to check, is that your router outdated or low-performance. If then, the problem is with your router and you may have to buy a new router. Maybe, you will not have to go for a WiFi extender also. These days, the routers with the standard WiFi model is 802.11ac. But if you still suffer from dead spots in your home or workplace then, it’s ok to consider buying a WiFi extender. We think the following 4 factors worth considering when buying a WiFi extender.
1. WiFi Standard
When you are looking to buy a WiFi extender, first you have to look for your router’s specifications and identify WiFi standards. It’s a thing related to your router’s age and frequency. There are 802.11 b/g/n/ac routers in the market. Routers with 802.11ac standard are the latest model developed. You should consider buying a WiFi extender that supports your router’s WiFi standards. As an example, you need to buy a WiFi extender with 802.11 ac to integrate with the same kind of router, and also you do not need to buy an extender with 802.11ac to integrate with an 802.11n WiFi router.
*You must research this factor more than anyone else.
2. WiFi frequency band
WiFi routers work in two frequency bands, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Some routers named single-band routers work with only 2.4 GHz while dual-band routers work with both 2.4 GHz and 5GHz frequencies. When we come to WiFi extenders, most of them only work with 2.4 GHz (single-band extenders) while more expensive extenders compatible with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (dual-band extenders). If you have a dual-band router, then it’s worth investing in a dual-band WiFi extender which compatible with both frequencies.
3. Additional features
It’s an extra advantage for the buyer to have Ethernet ports, USB ports, and an audio jack. Ethernet ports will allow you to connect devices directly, especially it’s perfect for connecting old devices which are not having WiFi connectivity, such as IP cameras, old desktops. We recommend you to buy WiFi repeaters with Gigabit Ethernet Ports (GE ports), not with Fast Ethernet Ports (FE ports). Because GE ports provide speed up to 1 GBPS while others only provide speed up to 100 MBPS. Having USB ports will allow you to connect printers, external hard drives, and other devices that have USB ports to share on the network. The audio jack will enable you to stream audio from the device.
4. Security
Before purchasing a WiFi extender, verify if it supports the latest WPA (WiFi Protected Access) version. WPA 3 is the latest security protocol and some extenders support this newest method in the market. But still, WPA2-PSK extenders will also secure you from intruders that trying to connect with your home network without the password. But, it’s worth having an extender with top security protocol available to avoid security concerns.
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